There are two main material groups for helmets - thermoplastic and thermoset. Aluminium helmets are rare today.
Commercial protective helmets are thermoplastic. It is characterised by superior breaking strength at cold temperatures down to -40°C but low dimensional stability at high temperatures. At temperatures from +70°C, safety is no longer provided by the material. The helmets can be used for up to four years after manufacture. However, there are also models that can be stored without loss of quality for up to seven years without external influences.
- Shelf life: 4 years
- Markings: PE, PC, PA, ABS, PP-GF, PC-GF, HDPE
- Properties: no use in hot areas; high cold resistance
- Applications: main construction trades, assembly, mechanical workshops
Safety helmets made of Duroplast are particularly durable and heat and UV resistant. They retain their shape and safety function up to +500°C. They are also characterised by high chemical resistance. In contrast to thermoplastic helmets, thermoset safety helmet production involves a large proportion of manual processes, which is reflected in a higher price.
Durability-wise, the higher acquisition costs are worth it. Thermoset helmets can be used for up to 10 years without loss of quality. Manufacturer specifications apply here.
- Shelf life: 8 to 10 years
- Markings: PF-SF and UP-GF
- Properties: high heat and heat load; not at cold temperatures; high chemical resistance
- Applications: Metal processing, metal production, shipyards, laboratories, the chemical industry